ALT-C 2005 Manchester Crossing Boundaries In a CALL Environment Jane Hughes Terry King Man Yang UCL Centre for the Advancement of Learning and Teaching

ALT-C 2005 Manchester Background – CROSSCALL Cross-sector computer-assisted language learning Relation to the ATLAS project Three schools and three languages

ALT-C 2005 Manchester Expectations about collaboration Cross-sector and computer-mediated collaborations researched –Time/space matrix (Dix et al, 1993) More distance  more difficulty Extra dimension – institutional distance –Shared understanding (grounding) easier with richer communication medium –New technology more acceptable to users if: It integrates with their existing system It helps them achieve their goals They see the benefits as well as the extra work Training and support are adequate

ALT-C 2005 Manchester Lesson 1 – People are the key to success Enthusiasm and competence Effective motivation; incentives Mutual aims and clear procedures Well-organised

ALT-C 2005 Manchester Lesson 2 – Technology can make a difference WebCT, ISDN and IP videoconferencing investigated Security in communication – a top issue –Chat is not allowed on the school network –Firewall block WebCT traffic ICT skills and confidence – not to be taken for granted – or Discussion? Limitations of WebCT’s capacity –To support the varied roles required –To monitor ?

ALT-C 2005 Manchester Lesson 3 - Institutional context influential Roles define boundaries of authority –Can university teacher intervene in school lesson? Russian dialogues Spanish web design Timing and timetabling always problematic –Exams rule in schools –Access to computers varies Teachers’ institutional roles important –How much power or control? –Full-time or part-time? –Career pressures and priorities? Institutional priorities may support or obstruct

ALT-C 2005 Manchester CROSSCALL - Thanks The CROSSCALL project is funded by –CfBT Research & Development –UCL Thanks to: – the students and teachers in our partner schools: Elliott School, London Weald of Kent Grammar School for Girls, Kent William Ellis School, London –The UCL students and language teachers who have taken part –Dr. Lydia Buravova, who has co-ordinated the work of the UCL students and teachers.